Make Up 2 Make Up

This project started whilst on holiday in Kathmandu, Nepal in 2007. When meeting and talking to several people from the transgender community, an idea came to mind to organize a seminar in hairstyling and make up. There were two important reasons driving me, firstly, lots of interest and demand from the community itself and secondly, personal reasons, I wanted to find my way to contribute. This seemed like the perfect moment and a unique opportunity.

At the end of October 2008, I arrived back in Kathmandu. Packed with a suitcase full of materials, some clothes, a lot of enthusiasm and a detailed plan. Upon my arrival the detailed plan was the first thing to go. Nothing came even close to the way I imagined it to be. Starting with a small group of 7 people, interest grew daily to almost 30 by the end of the seminar. Packed with lots of fun and dedication a base was created for further development. Giving the project time to develop, it was a year later before I returned.

I was truly amazed and pleasantly surprised to see the impact of what had been done within a year. Some students really kept on practising and working hard, and were about to embark on an interesting and changing career. One student won a competition prize, to train as a make up artist for a big brand, some worked for big shows and events, but the best thing was they all returned to class a year later. The group has now new students and others doing a follow up seminar.

Conclusion: The Nepal project is definitely working. There is a great base from which we can proceed and start to think bigger. The local motivation is there, it just needs a good follow up. The importance of education and training has been proven very clearly. The students realize that this project gives them a great opportunity to change their life and there life-conditions. A real job can provide them with security, keep them off the streets and from a life in the sex industry.

That’s why it is so important to keep up the support. They need money, logistic and practical help. We are fully committed to this project and return every year to support students and staff. The more support, the better work we can do.

A big thank you in advance on behalf of the people in Kathmandu.

Peter Platel
Founding Director

Members of the board:
Giulio Papa
Peter Platel
Dirk Van den Eede